While mothers and grandmothers are quick with advice
about everything from baby names to where, when, and how often a newborn should
sleep, a new survey reveals that the majority of pregnant women wish their mothers
had told them more about what to expect when they are pregnant. According
to the Break the Silence survey sponsored by Boeringer Ingleheim, the makers
of Dulcolax, 18% of women who are currently pregnant say they wish someone had
told them more about being overly tired and 17% say they wish someone warned
them about constipation before their pregnancy. Other issues they would have
liked more information about include incontinence, morning sickness, strange
cravings, and weight gain.

But just how prevalent are certain symptoms
such as constipation among pregnant women? According to the survey, pregnant
women are more likely to report suffering from constipation than women who are
not pregnant. In fact, 60% of pregnant women surveyed say they are currently
suffering from constipation during their pregnancy, compared to only 37% who
say they have not experienced this condition. The survey also found that pregnant
women are more likely to experience constipation more frequently. 64% of those
pregnant women who reported having constipation say they are suffering from
it at least once or twice a month, including 44% who are experiencing constipation
once a week or more. Just 33% are experiencing constipation infrequently or
less than once a month.

But just because they experience symptoms
like constipation doesn't mean pregnant women are comfortable talking about
it. Compared to other pregnancy-related health issues, constipation and incontinence
are two of the most uncomfortable topics for women who are pregnant. Nearly 30% of women say they are very or somewhat
uncomfortable talking about constipation, followed by 27% who say they
are uncomfortable talking about incontinence. Other common symptoms women would
prefer not to discuss include weight gain (7%); morning sickness (4%); strange
cravings (3%) and being overly tired (2%).

Like any women experiencing medical problems, pregnant women need to feel comfortable
talking about their symptoms with their doctors, other healthcare providers,
or even a friend or family member. The more you know, the better off you will
be. Of course, it is particularly important to mention these symptoms to your
doctor in case they are signs of a more serious condition and not just a normal
symptom of pregnancy.